Rep. Jenkins: Courts Should Review Coal Power Plant Rule

Statement

Continuing his push to block the Obama administration's proposed coal-fired power plant rule, U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) voted yes today on legislation he cosponsored that would allow for the judicial system to review the rule before states would be required to comply.

H.R. 2042, the Ratepayer Protection Act, would also ensure states would not be forced to implement a state or federal plan if it would significantly hurt consumers or the reliability of the state's electrical system. The U.S. House of Representatives voted 247-180 today to pass the Ratepayer Protection Act.

"We all know that the EPA's proposed coal-fired power plant regulations have and would put West Virginia coal miners out of work and raise the cost of electricity for West Virginia's families and small businesses. By passing the Ratepayer Protection Act, we're giving power to the states instead of the federal government, allowing them to make decisions in the best interests of their states and residents. We must ensure that West Virginia has abundant electricity production at affordable rates, and West Virginia coal provides jobs and affordable domestic energy," Rep. Jenkins said.

Source